Can Adults Get Diaper Rash? Symptoms, Treatment with Cream and Pictures

Whilst commonly linked with infants and toddlers, diaper rash can actually affect adults too. The majority of modern adults live their daily lives without wearing diapers, but certain illnesses and the simple progression of age can induce incontinence. Specialist underwear and pads are typically worn by such individuals, making this diaper rash incredibly similar to the experience of babies.

However, if you or someone you know suffers diaper rash despite being a mature adult, it’s nothing to be ashamed of! There’s multiple remedies and often unavoidable causes that can contribute, many of which aren’t the fault of the sufferer or caregiver. So to master more about common symptoms and treatments with corresponding pictures, keep reading.

How Can Adults Get Diaper Rash?

Whether a result of a mental or physical condition, plenty of adults across the globe experience bouts of incontinence. Defined as being unable to control urinary function or even bowel movements, special briefs expertly designed for incontinent individuals should be worn on a steady basis to avoid messy accidents.

In a similar sense to infant diaper rash, this condition can arise in adults due to their pad or briefs being infrequently changed. This lack of efficient changing can result in moisture and sweat becoming trapped and causing skin irritation, as well as relentless chafing and inflammation especially if enzymatic stools are left to fester. Bacterial infection or fungal yeast growth could also be contributing factors. Luckily, plenty of treatment options are readily available for multiple forms of adult diaper rash.

Symptoms of Diaper Rash in Adults

Typically occurring around the genitals and buttocks, symptoms of adult diaper rash can spread as far as the hips and even thighs in severe rash cases. This rash is characterized as displaying overt pink or red patches of skin that feels distinctly itchy. These areas can become scaly in appearance and may even develop raised blemishes if left untreated.

However, more extreme cases of adult diaper rash demonstrate more intense symptoms that can cause great pain and discomfort for the individual. Large fluid-filled bumps, vibrant red inflammation and unpleasant feelings of burning all signal a severe case of diaper rash. Active lumps and blisters may leak yellowish pus which will increase levels of moisture and wetness to the area.

Can I Diagnose Myself with Diaper Rash in Adults Pictures?

Regardless of how convinced you are of your condition, self diagnosing isn’t a great idea. Unless you’re a professional doctor qualified to make such statements, it’s always recommended to visit a healthcare pro who can shed light on your condition. Yes, there’s a plethora of diaper rash in adults pictures available online for reference, but if your chosen treatment method isn’t having desired effects and you feel your rash could be a little more sinister, seeking expert advice is key.

Best Adult Diaper Rash Treatment

The huge difference between adults and babies developing diaper rash is communication – as adults can tell you the sensations they’re feeling! A common challenge in treating infantile diaper rash is simply being unable to communicate with your baby and establish what treatment is best based on their emotions. But with adults, frankly discussing their condition and trying multiple treatment components is typically less difficult and hassle free. Often, topical creams and ointment based products are the most preferred, as they’re easy to apply and produce impressive results.

Diaper Rash Cream for Adults

It may feel tempting to pick up typical baby diaper rash creams from your local store, but it’s essential you opt for a diaper rash cream specifically created for adults. A baby’s skin is roughly 30% thinner and more sensitive than adults’, meaning creams designed for infants may not possess required strength to tackle adult diaper rash.

Popular options of adult diaper cream include Balmex, Destin and Calmoseptine. Rich in zinc oxide proven to ease inflammation and provide protective shield against further skin damage, simply apply a generous amount of diaper cream to the entire affected area before replenishing with a fresh pad or briefs. Ensure the cream is fully absorbed and repeat with every changing process to see results. If diaper cream is applied inconsistently, it’s unlikely the desired outcome will happen particularly quickly.

How to Cure Infectious Adult Diaper Rash

If caused by more than just chafed inflammation, fungal (candida) or bacterial diaper rash will require more than just applying ointments or cream. Visiting a doctor is crucial if suspecting infectious signs, as prescription medication may be needed. Regarding candida diaper rash, antifungal cream is likely to be recommended and should be administered using the above discussed routine. In particularly rife cases, oral anti fungus medicine could be necessary. Fluconazole tablets are popularly used to handle yeast related infections, and will provide a double dose of effective treatment when combined with topical antifungal agents.

Alternatively, adult diaper rash as a consequence of bacterial infection could require a short course of antibiotics. The entire infected area will need to be thoroughly cleaned and covered to prevent further bacteria entering, as the underlying infection must be eliminated to witness rash improvement.